Having just returned from the 10th National Eucharistic Congress, I wanted to offer these reflections, as I participated in the pilgrimage in the Diocese of Columbus and in the Congress itself in Indianapolis.

The pilgrimage entered the Diocese of Columbus on June 24th, the Solemnity of the Birth of John the Baptist, in Somerset, Ohio – the site where Bishop Fenwick offered the first Mass in Ohio and where the first parish was built. The non-air-conditioned church was at capacity more than an hour before the Mass began. People were eager to receive Jesus and to share in the pilgrimage. The historic site, where the St. Joseph Province Dominicans once housed their philosophy program, reminded me of the pilgrimage of faith through the ages, which is the experience of all of humanity moving toward the new and eternal Jerusalem. We join with our predecessors in faith in a pilgrimage which, while involving setbacks and diversions, ultimately involves conversion and growth in holiness.

The pilgrimage moved from Somerset to Newark, Ohio and then to Pickerington, where Mass was offered at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church. This was the Seton route of the pilgrimage, and Fr. Roger Landry – the chaplain of the Seton route – was able to celebrate his 25th anniversary of ordination at that Mass. Although he was far from his home in Massachusetts, his parents, family and friends came for the Mass. The church was full, as was the overflow seating. Not only did we get to hear about the beauty of the priesthood, but I was able to reflect on the mystery of the Church as the Family of God, where no one is a stranger. Fr. Landry was a great witness to this: how beautiful it is to welcome the stranger, who is at the same time a brother in Christ!

Two days later, in an unpublished pilgrimage stop, the perpetual pilgrims and I made a journey to Pickaway Correctional. This was the only stop from the four routes inside the walls of a prison. Everything was arranged in advance, and we were able to enter and to have a holy hour. During the holy hour, three priests and I heard confessions. Meanwhile the pilgrims gave witnesses to the incarcerated men, until one of those incarcerated said he wanted to give his witness. He spoke of the evil, violent actions that led him to prison, but then he spoke of a “vision” of a flower and a girl who touched his heart. He later came to realize that it was St. Therese, and she helped bring about his conversion. Now he hopes to become a Third Order Carmelite.

After the holy hour, I celebrated mass with all who were there. The Gospel that day was the story of the leper whom Jesus touched and made clean. “Lord, if you will it, make me clean.” “I do will it,” Jesus said. Those who are incarcerated are like lepers – feeling isolated and cut off from society, from their friends, and even, at times, from the Lord. Yet, in this instance, in the context of a pilgrimage, Jesus broke through the prison walls to be close to them. This was extremely moving to me as a bishop – to be able to bring the tender mercy of God to those who physically were far from the Church. Indeed, Christ breaks through the prison walls of sin and death to offer us peace and life.

I recall that at “Baby Bishops’ School” (where the newly ordained bishops go to learn the ropes), Pope Francis told us to visit prisons as a means of keeping close to the reality of life. I have visited all ten facilities in the Diocese, washing the feet of the incarcerated, offering Mass for those on death row, hearing confessions for those desirous of mercy. As a bishop, I feel most like a priest again when I am doing these things. When I am close to the People of God, and when they are close to the Lord. My own identity is affirmed, even while offering the sacramental grace which flows from the Heart of Jesus. I also see, even within prison walls, the spirit of authentic holiness. The men who attend Mass really have been converted and want to learn more about the Faith. They lament the fact that they don’t have greater access to the sacraments – they want to go to confession and Mass. They ask for apologetics materials to learn to defend the Faith. In many ways, within the prison I find greater faith than outside. While physically these men are “in bonds,” they possess a freedom and a joy that those on the outside lack. They know what it is to live in the freedom of the sons of God. For my part, I am humbled in their presence but also in the Presence of Christ in the Eucharist. Who am I to be called to this ministry or to live these privileged moments?

I carried them with me to Indianapolis and in the enormous Eucharistic procession, I realized that they were with me in the great pilgrimage of faith. Bishop Cozzens also mentioned our visit to the prison as a first fruit of the Eucharistic Revival. We are all called to be holy and to carry out our mission where God has placed us.

The pilgrimage stayed two more days in Columbus with more than 1200 participating at each site – St. Paul in Westerville and St. Joseph Cathedral, where the rosary was prayed in five languages, reflecting the unity in diversity of the Catholic religion. When the pilgrims left Columbus, I was genuinely sad, but I looked forward to seeing them again in Indianapolis.

There is much more I could say about the Congress in Indianapolis, but the pictures from those days tell the story. God’s family is united in the Eucharist which is the cause and effect of our unity. Even the walls of a prison cannot stop the relentless love of God. During these days our communion as brothers and sisters to one another was strengthened. I am not sure if I will see many of them again, but I look forward in hope to seeing them again when our earthly pilgrimage has ended and we are gathered in the eternal city to worship the Lamb upon His throne.

Bishop Earl Fernandes, Diocese of Columbus, OH